POSTS & PODS
Here you’ll find our weekly Unsolicited and Under-Informed Opinions about the latest soccer news, as well as our longer deep dives into the history and design of crests, clubs, and tifos from teams all around the world.
2025 Soccer World Predictions
The Footy Museum is back with our first podcast of the year, which means we're doing 2025 predictions! (Kindly ignore the fact that we're halfway through January, it's never too late for now!) Justin and Maria each come with their top three predictions for this year, ranging from design to football culture at large, and there are some amazing crossovers. What do they have to say about design trends, AI, new ownerships, soccer bros, gearing up for the World Cup in 2026, NWSL, and of course the Chicago soccer scene.
2024 in Review: Favorite Designs and Moments
2024 has come to an end, and we’re looking back at our favorite moments in the world of football (the soccer kind)! Take a listen for our not-at-all biased opinions on the soccer world’s best designs, greatest tifos, and most hilarious jokes played on us by the Universe.
Father of Football, Arthur Pember: the Man, the Myth, the Mustache
How did one of football's Founding Fathers end up retiring in a small North Dakota town? On this episode of The Footy Museum Podcast, Justin and Maria take a look of the storied life of Arthur Pember: Mountaineer, stock broker, investigative journalist, and the first president of the Football Association.
Dance Like Nobody's Watching? USMNT's International Break, the Trump Dance, and Berhalter Town Hall
Justin and Maria are back to talk about the world of football (the soccer kind)! This week we talk about their experience at the recent town hall with Gregg Berhalter hosted by this Chicago Fire. We also discuss the USMNT's international break, which was overshadowed by one celebratory dance. Was Christian Pulisic's Trump dance appropriate, or alienating to fans? Plus, why on earth are their so many international breaks!?
A Brief History of Playoffs in American Soccer
Justin and Maria are back in studio to discuss all things from the world of football (the soccer kind). This week is all about the great American tradition of “playoffs.” We discuss the various formats used throughout history, from the pre-MLS era to recent changes influenced by star players like David Beckham and Lionel Messi. Is the playoff format still relevant? Has it ever been?
Playoffs? Playoffs? American Championships Are Different.
The MLS Playoffs are here, showcasing American soccer’s unique approach to crowning a champion. From the 'Soccer Bowl' to the MLS Cup, the U.S. has always insisted on forging its own path.
Is it Football or is it Soccer? Unraveling the Origins and Cultural Clash
Join us on this episode of the Footy Museum Podcast as we dive deep into the age-old question: is it soccer or football? Justin and Maria explore the history of the terms, their origins in England, and how they've evolved in the United States. Discover why this seemingly simple debate has sparked such passionate discussions. From the early days of the sport to the modern-day MLS, we uncover the cultural and historical factors that have shaped the way Americans perceive and embrace the beautiful game.
The ‘Ole Ball Games: what did people play before soccer?
While soccer is a relatively modern sport, its origins can be traced back to much earlier times. Indigenous cultures in North and Central America, as well as ancient China, had their own unique style of games that feel familiar. These ancient games show the enduring appeal of sport, both social and spiritual, across cultures and time periods.
Same Old U.S. Soccer Song, Leagues Come and Go, The U.S. Open Cup Remains
The history of how the U. S. Open Cup has outlasted numerous soccer leagues in the United States.
US Open Cup Top Title Holders: Bethlehem Steel and Maccabee Los Angeles
LAFC and Sporting KC will face off in this year's US Open Cup final on September 25. In anticipation, we're looking back at the two teams who are tied for the most ever US Open Cup titles: Maccabee Los Angeles and Bethlehem Steel--both with five titles to their name.
Action, Emotion, and a Third Thing: Soccer Photographers Worth Following
“Capture action and emotion” is the basic assignment for all sports photographers. But in a media landscape where every consumer with a smartphone is also documentarian, how has the role of photography changed?
Thinking of The Roman Empire, A Northwoods Cabin, and Goodison Park
What do the Roman Colosseum, A Northwoods cabin and Everton's Goodison Park have in common?
USL Super League is Here, Plus EPL Matchweek One and Kit Reactions
Welcome back pumpkin spice season I mean English Premier League! On today's podcast Justin and Maria talk about EPL's matchweek 1, some antics from Arsenal, and the state of the kits--with a specific focus on the neck region. They also bring it back to MLS and chat about changes happening at the Chicago Fire with the announced exit of sporting director Georg Heitz and DP Xherdan Shaqiri. So sad to say goodbye. But it's also time to say hello to Mauricio Pochettino as we welcome him to the USMNT. Big news as the USL introduces it's latest addition: the USL Super League--a designated Division One women's league. In the post-olympic void, Maria and Justin discuss the history of the very first Women's soccer game in the US dating back to 1893, and what we can do to make sure we keep women's soccer at the front of our minds.
Why I’m Thinking About 19th Century Women’s Sports
It’s been one week since the US Women’s National Team won their Olympic gold medal. For all the fun of The Games, I can’t help but feel that a 130 year old script is about to repeat itself. I’ll share my thoughts in a second. First I’m going to tell you a story about soccer:
USWNT Win Gold! Plus EFL Begins, and US Open Cup Never Left
USA! USA! USA! The USWNT have won olympic gold! On this week's episode, we talk about the match, Emma Hayes, the great team, and wrap up our Paris Olympics coverage with some excellent Naeher puns. And after a summer of major tournaments, the EFL season has begun. Justin looks into the crest history of Oxford United, and Maria celebrate's the start to the Leeds United season. Justin also gives a recap on what's been going on with the US Open Cup, as coverage has been lost to all the soccer noise out there.
Don’t Forget About The Open Cup!
Instituted as the National Challenge Cup by the United States Football Association in 1913, Open Cup matches immediately became the pinnacle of US soccer. While the teams and leagues from this early part of US soccer history have faded, the Open Cup remains one of the strongest connections to a sporting history that is often ignored.
Designs of Olympics Past, US Soccer Updates, and a Special Soccer Quiz!
Welcome to the Footy Museum Podcast, where we talk about culture and design in the world of football (the soccer kind!). On this week's episode Justin and Maria talk about past and present of soccer in the Olympic games, giving an update on where the US stands in the soccer tournament, and also taking a look back at designs and visuals from Olympics past. Justin also prepares a special set of riddles all about the European teams touring the US right now. Can you do better than Maria?
U.S. Soccer at the Olympics, A Visual History
The 2024 Olympic Games offer something unique to American soccer fans: an underdog mentality for the women’s game, and a hopeful one for the men’s. To celebrate our team’s success in these Paris Games, we’re taking a look back at U.S. Soccer in past Olympics.
And just as the players change, so does the visual world around them. Using posters, logos, pictograms, and photos, the Olympics offer a unique record of design across the decades. Below is a brief history of the United State’s participation in the Olympic Games, and glimpse into the tournament through designs.
Soccer at the Paris Olympics, MLS Allstars Kit, Leeds United, and Feyenoord Rebrand
Yes, the Olympics ARE a footballing event, so of course we're here to talk about it. On this week's episode we're reacting to the opening ceremonies and the first few games of the USMNT and USWNT at the Paris Olympics. We chat about some of the latest kit drops from MLS and Leeds United, and one very special logo redesign from Feyenoord Rotterdam.
Kit Reactions: Chelsea, Arsenal, MLS Throwbacks, Leeds United and more
On today's pod, we discuss the latest kit rollouts (do they seem to be dropping earlier and earlier, or is that just us?) and as well as what's to come with the Paris Olympic Games (and beyond!).